Projecting the Depth Chart at Offensive Line

Greg Adkins spoke with the media on Sunday and cleared up some things regarding the offensive line group, which seems to be developing this thing called “quality depth” in fall camp — something OSU hasn’t had the luxury of in recent years.

The running game has struggled mightily since the 2014 season, and last year ranked near the bottom of the entire FBS in a lot of categories you don’t want to rank near the bottom of. But I believe there are signs of improvement from last year, namely with the emergence of depth in key positions that struggled last year. Here’s how I think the depth chart *could* look like when it’s released after fall camp:

*Note: This is only a two-deep projection.*

Left tackle

No. 1: Victor Salako — Adkins spoke highly of Salako coming into his second year, and raved about how he has slimmed down — which should help him with mobility at the tackle protecting Rudolph’s blindside. He brings a full year of starting experience into this season, and combine that with his new body transformation, and he should be one of the anchors of the line this season.

No. 2: Matt Mucha — Mucha is a redshirt sophomore who was No. 2 on the two-deep last year. But with the inexperience last season, Salako locked down the spot and limited Mucha’s playing time. Now that he’s had another year getting his feet wet, the 6-5 tackle from Seabrook, Texas, should be ready to be one of the many lineman who qualify as “quality depth” for OSU.

Left guard

No. 1: Marcus Keyes — I thought Keyes was a star at left tackle in the spring game, but the coaching staff has moved him over to right guard this camp. And offensive line coach Greg Adkins says they “aren’t looking back” on that decision. It may be a tough competition at the starting spot but I’m giving Keyes the nod here. New blood could be beneficial, especially at the guard position.

No. 2: Michael Wilson — Wilson is one who brings back a ton of experience and, honestly, could end up being the backup at center instead. The great thing about him is his obvious versatility to move around the line with ease. Wilson is a weapon who could end up playing multiple positions this season.

Center

No. 1: Brad Lundblade — The No. 1 center for all of last season returns a year of experience, and is finally healthy after reportedly being banged up last season. The big fella up front is the clear cut starter and with another year under his belt, he’ll be counted on even more this year as OSU looks to restore a run game on the mend.

No. 2: Michael Wilson — Wilson is No. 2 here but I really like redshirt freshman Johnny Wilson, too. Depending on need based off injury and other factors, I think Wilson will end up here at center and hopefully the guard spots will be solid. The great thing, as I mentioned above, is that Wilson has the versatility to play multiple positions.

Right guard

No. 1: Jesse Robinson — This group here is a deep one, and one that is a true “competition” this fall, in my estimation. Robinson was the starter a year ago, but Williams is hot on his heels. The great thing is that both will – and probably should – see the field a lot. I like Robinson to get the nod to begin the season, at least.

No. 2: Larry Williams — The former JUCO All-American is vying for the starting job at guard, and is a legitimate option to solve some of the deficiencies in the middle of the line from last year. Williams is an explosive player who played tackle at JUCO, so he’s more than capable of providing some mobility and blowing up some holes for runners in the middle.

Right tackle

No. 1: Zach Crabtree — Crab is the man and the leader of the group for OSU anchoring the right tackle. The RS junior started every game last season at right tackle, and was also awarded the Vernon Grant award for the player showing outstanding leadership, spirit and enthusiasm. That’s a pretty underrated weapon for an offensive line group who is coming off two struggling seasons. I’m looking for Crab to rally the troops this year.

No. 2: Brandon Pertile — Pertile is slotted here but could play guard for OSU, as well. The former JUCO lineman played some last year in his first season in the program, but could make a leap in year two. Crabtree is still the anchor, but Pertile could fill in and provide depth at a very important position for the Cowboys.